The NYPD says it has suspended a police officer without pay after a video, posted to social media, appeared to show an officer voicing his support for President Trump’s reelection from his patrol car’s speaker.
"Trump 2020. Put it on Facebook. Take a picture, take a video, put it on YouTube, have some fun," could be heard coming from the vehicle's speaker in the video.
The video was posted on Twitter Saturday night. The incident took place in Flatbush, Brooklyn.
Political comments from uniformed, on-duty police officers are a violation of the department's policies. Leaders from within the NYPD were quick to denounce the politically charged moment.
"One hundred percent unacceptable. Period. Law enforcement must remain apolitical, it is essential in our role to serve all new yorkers regardless of any beliefs. It is essential for new yorkers to trust their police. Updates to follow after the initial investigation," Police Commissioner Dermot Shea tweeted Sunday, prior to announcing the suspension.
One hundred percent unacceptable. Period.
— Commissioner Shea (@NYPDShea) October 25, 2020
Law Enforcement must remain apolitical, it is essential in our role to serve ALL New Yorkers regardless of any political beliefs.
It is essential for New Yorkers to trust their Police.
Updates to follow after initial investigation. https://t.co/C4zyVYWZvN
Mayor Bill de Blasio also took to Twitter to respond to the video, saying, "Let me be clear: Any NYPD officer pushing any political agenda while on duty will face consequences. We will act fast here, and this will not be tolerated."
"When you wear our uniform it is imperative to remain apolitical. Behavior like this will not be tolerated and will be dealt with. An update will be provided to the public," Chief Terence Monahan said in a tweet posted on Sunday.
When you wear our uniform it is imperative to remain apolitical.
— Chief Terence Monahan (@NYPDChiefofDept) October 25, 2020
Behavior like this will not be tolerated and will be dealt with.
An update will be provided to the public. https://t.co/GTfC7BF5Sx